MSt in Philosophical Theology

About the course

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Philosophical Theology offers graduates in either philosophy or theology the opportunity to undertake advanced study in a field bridging the two disciplines.

The course is studied full-time, over nine months.

With a tutor, you will study two areas of philosophical theology. You should select your two papers based on your previous qualifications, from the following list

Philosophy of religion;

History of philosophical theology; or

A more specialised area of theology, such as the development of Christian doctrine to 787.

This course, which covers part of the ground covered by the MPhil in Philosophical Theology, provides an opportunity for advanced work in Philosophical Theology.

Candidates who opt to study History of Philosophical Theology, can choose to focus on two periods, for instance, the early medieval period and the period witnessing the birth of modern philosophy, 1760-1860. Those who are interested in exploring the history of Christian theology can choose between early Christianity (to AD 451) and the Reformation period.

For each area, depending on the subject and supervisor, you will have six or eight tutorials of 60 to 90 minutes in duration. For each tutorial, you will write an essay of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 words. Tutorials consist of close scrutiny and discussion of the essay and the issues it raises.

In addition to your tutorial work, you will also write a dissertation of 15,000 words, under the direction of a supervisor. The Faculty of Theology and Religion has a lively graduate community of students, including reading and work-in-progress groups.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class (67% or above) undergraduate degree with honours in philosophy, theology, religious studies or a closely related field. Admission is very competitive. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.8 out of 4.0.